Gun mechanism



July 19, 1938. i H. w. HESTER GUN. MECHANISM Filed Nov. 25, 1932 l 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 July 19, 1938. H. w. HESTER GUN MECHANISM Filed Nov. 25, 1932 3 SheetsSheet 2 227 226 H. W. HESTER GUN MECHANISM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed NOV. 25, 1932 w R E 0 g N w, a 1 I: A x\ E3 lit/M j fi ly fi esir a, a, m Wi /M Patented July 19, 1938 UNITED STATES GUN MECHANISM Application November 25, 1932, Serial No. 644,218

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to gun mechanisms, and is particularly concerned with nonselective single trigger mechanism of the type having its greatest field of application in shot guns.

One of the objects of the invention is the provision of an improved trigger mechanism for shot guns or the like by means of which both barrels of the gun may be shot in a predetermined order of succession.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism for shot guns or the like by means of which the gun is provided with an even length of stock between the end of the stock and the trigger for both barrels, the uniform length of pull not requiring the shooter to reach forward for the first trigger or back to the second trigger, thereby accomplishing a better fit and enabling the user to secure a more accurate aim with both barrels.

A stock which exactly fits a man when pulling on the rear trigger of a gun does not fit him when pulling the front trigger, and the single trigger has the additional advantage of permitting larger room for the finger and inside the trigger guard, enabling the use of thick warm gloves, for which there would not be room when two triggers are used.

Another object is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism which is simple and positive and which is adapted to be installed in existing guns or older models at a minimum expense or which may be installed in new guns at but little additional expense, thereby placing the single trigger mechanism within the reach of a large mass of users.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism which is adapted to provide a substantially even and light pull on both triggers, and which is still adapted to avoid doubling or unintentional discharge of the second barrel due to the action of the first barrel or the involuntary action of the user.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism for shot guns or the like in which the discharge mechanism for the second barrel is positively locked against operation after the discharge of the first barrel for a predetermined period of time or until recoil and reaction have taken place so that the inclination to double or fire both barrels is positively eliminated and so that absolute safety is assured through the elimination of even occasional doubling.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a one piece sliding mechanism adapted to be actuated by the hammer or firing pin of a gun mechanism and to move into such position by cocking of the first hammer or firing pin so that the single trigger cannot actuate the discharge mechanism of the second barrel until the first barrel has been fired.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism which is provided with a safety part adapted to be moved forward by virtue of the inertia or mass effect of said part after recoil and during rebound of the gun from the shoulder, said part acting as a safety to prevent the discharge of the second barrel of the gun involuntarily immediately after the recoil and rebound. When the first barrel is fired the recoil throws the gun back against the shoulder of the shooter and away from the trigger finger, involuntarily causing the trigger to move forward again after it has been pulled the first time. The rebound of the gun from the shoulder back against the trigger finger then causes the shooter to involuntarily pull the trigger again, and this is one of the most frequent causes of doubling. Gun mechanisms constructed according to the present invention may be provided with a safety device adapted to swing backward by virtue of its inertia during the rebound of the gun, and thus adapted to prevent movement of the trigger by this second involuntary pull for a short period of time after the recoil or until after the reaction described has taken place.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved single trigger mechanism including a piece which is adapted to move backward, due to its mass or inertia, upon the forward rebound of the gun which follows the recoil, said piece acting as a safety for preventing the movement of the second trigger due to the involuntary pull which might be exerted upon the trigger at this time and thereby preventing doubling due to this involuntary pull or fiinching on the part of the shooter.

Other objects of the invention are the provision of improved gun mechanisms which are safe, sturdy, economical and capable of performing their functions for a long period of time without excessive wear of any of the parts which might render the parts incapable of performing their functions.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description,

in which similar characters of reference indicate. similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, of which there are three sheets:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a double barrel shot gun mechanism, partially broken away to show the interior mechanism in elevation, with parts of the stock in section and with side plates removed. The mechanism is shown with both barrels discharged;

Fig. 2 is a similar fragmentary view of the trigger mechanism of the same gun, with the parts in the position which they assume after both barrels have been cocked, and with the safety in safe position;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 after the first barrel has been fired, but the second barrel is still cooked and in condition to be fired;

Fig. 4 is a view in perspective of the sears and connecting piece by means of which one trigger is adapted to be connected to the second sear to discharge the second barrel;

Fig. 5 is a View similar to Fig. 1 of a modified form of gun mechanism of the type not utilizing hammers, but having the firing pin directly actuated by a spring or other mechanism, the mechanism being in the position which it assumes after the barrels are discharged.

Fig. 6 is a similar View of the same mechanism in the position which it assumes when the barrels are cocked;

Fig. 7 is a View in perspective of a modified form of connecting piece adapted to be used in guns of the type shown in Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view with the stock broken away to disclose the mechanism of a modifled form of gun mechanism; and

Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the trigger, scars and floating connecting piece for the purpose of explaining the operation of the mechanism.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 3, the gun, which is indicated in its entirety by the numeral ill, is provided with the usual stock H and the right and left barrels 2. The right barrel is generally provided with a suitable bore permitting the spreading of the charge, and suitable for use at close range, while the left barrel is preferably provided with a choke bore adapted to prevent spreading of the charge and concentrate this charge in a. manner suitable for firing at a greater distance or with greater accuracy and more destructive effect at a closer distance. It should be understood, however, that any suitable or desirable forms of bore may be utilized. As the game is usually farther away after the first shot, it will be evident that in the vast majority of cases the marksman will desire to shoot the open barrel first in order to assure hitting the game at close range and to shoot the choke barrel second to concentrate the shot on the mark at a greater distance for the second shot.

The barrels !2 are usually pivotally mounted on the stock by means of a pin l3 which permits the gun to be broken open, and the barrels are secured in closed position by means of a barrel locking lever M which is provided with a suitable latch for holding the barrels in closed position with respect to the stock i l. The gun mechanism of the type shown in Figs. 1 to 3 is provided with a pair of similar firing pins i5 slidably mounted in bores It and provided with a reduced cylindrical portion if having a rounded end l8 adapted to engage the primer of the shell.

The enlarged part of the firing pin l5 projects rearwardly from the bore it into engagement with the hammer l9, which is pivotally mounted on a pin or bolt carried by the frame of the mechanism.

The frame of the mechanism preferably comprises an upper frame piece 2|, a lower frame piece 22, a rear frame piece 23, a pair of side plates 24, and the chamber inside the frame of the mechanism is closed by the embracing parts of the gun stock which is secured thereto.

The hammer i9 is urged in a clockwise direction by a spring plunger having a stem 21 slidably mounted in a bore 28 and having a helical coil spring compressed between the front part of the frame and a head 3|. The head 3| is formed with a knife edge 32 adapted to pivotally engage in a groove 33 formed in the forward lower side of the trigger. The rear lower side of the hammer is also provided with a latching groove 34 adapted to receive the point 35 of the sear 35.

The hammer i9 is cooked by means of a push rod 37 which is slidably mounted in a bore 38 in the frame and pivotally connected by a pin 39 to the hammer. The forward end an of the push rod engages a shoulder 4| carried by a bellcrank 42, rotatably mounted on the pin l3. The bellcrank 42 also has a forwardly projecting lug 43 which is engaged by the part 44 associated with the barrels so that when the barrels pivot downward in a clockwise direction in Fig. 1 the bellcrank 52 is moved in a like direction. The shoulder M then engages the end of push rod 3'! and push rod 5? moves the hammer l9 backward in a counterclockwise direction, compressing the spring 29 until the latching end 35 of the sear engages in the groove 34 to hold the hammer in cocked position.

The barrel latching lever I4 is usually pivotally mounted on a vertically extending pin carrying a cam which is adapted to engage a laterally projecting lug carried by the safety slide 45 so as to move the safety device into the safe position whenever the gun is cooked. However, the present gun mechanism may be constructed with or without this feature and with or without any safety device of the manually actuated type.

The present safety device comprises a safety slide having a slot formed between a pair of legs 56, 47 at its forward end embracing the bolt 48. The piece 45 is pivotally mounted by a pin 49 on a safety stirrup or lever 50, the upper end of which is pivotally mounted in a slot 52 by means of a pin 5! on the top frame member 2!.

The rear end of the safety slide 45 is provided with a slot for receiving a flat stem 53 which projects downwardly from a safety thumb piece 5 5. The end 55 of the safety slide is bifurcated and pivotally secured by a pin 56 to the stem 53, thereby supporting the stem 53 for forward and rearward sliding movement in a slot 57 in the upper frame piece 21 Stirrup 5E! comprises a member having a pair of flat upwardly extending legs 58 joined by a lower yoke 59. The safety slide 45 and a connecting piece 60 are disposed between the legs 58 of the stirrup 59, the stirrup 56 thus retaining these parts in proper position as well as acting as a stop or safety member for preventing the firing of the second barrel before the first is fired and for preventing doubling.

The frame of the gun supports the usual flat sear spring 5!, which engages below the forward end of the sear and holds the sear against the bottom of the hammer, also tending to move the sear in a counterclockwise direction into engageand therefore needriot be described separately;

ment with the latching groove 34 of the hammer when the hammer is cocked.

The sear spring Bl may be provided with the laterally projecting ends engaging each of the two sears. The sear is pivotally mounted on a pin or bolt 62 passing through one side plate and threaded into the other side plate of the frame, and the sear is provided with a rearwardly projecting end 63-extending into the range of movement of apart of the trigger 64.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be noted that the sear is provided with a laterally or inwardly projecting lug 65 at its rear end for engagement with the upper surface 66 on the trigger lever. Both of the hammers and firing pins, sears and associated parts are identical for both of the barrels,

. The lower frame piece: 22 of the mechanism may be provided with a pair of substantially parallel upwardly projecting lugs 91 having a pin 68 for pivotally supporting the trigger 64. In the ordinary double trigger gun two interchangeable triggers are mounted between the lugs 61 on the pin 68, each trigger having upwardly extending supporting flange 69 provided with a hole for receiving the pin 68,

The trigger flanges 69 are each provided with the rearwardly extending parts 10 having the upper edges or surfaces 96 for engaging the lugs 65 on the sears, and the trigger flanges 69 may also be provided with upwardly extending lugs or ears I I, the upper end 12 of which engages the bottom or yoke 59 of the safety stirrup 59 when the safety is in the safe position, as shown in Fig. 2.

In adapting the double trigger gun embodying the present mechanism to the single trigger mechanism, it is only necessary to omit the forward trigger and to place the rearward trigger on the right side, as the rearward trigger usually is located on the left side for control of the left barrel in a double trigger gun.

In order to make space for the connecting piece 60 between the triggers, the existing trigger or triggers may be formed with an offset or bend l3, bringing the rearward extension in of one trigger out into substantially the plane of the leg 58 of stirrup 50. Thus the sliding connecting piece 69 may be made wide enough to fit between the legs 58 of the stirrup and also may be adapted to slide between the end l9 and lugs H of two triggers, or against the side of these parts on a single trigger.

The offset 13 is suflicient to make room for the sliding piece 69, but the end portion ll) of the trigger flange 89 still engages above the trigger leaf spring 14. The leaf spring 14 tends to urge the trigger in a clockwise direction in Fig. 1 and holds it into engagement with the lug 65 on the right hand sear 3B.

The safety slide 45 is also provided with a retaining spring 15 secured thereto by a screw bolt 16, the spring having an upwardly extending ridge ll adapted tobe engaged in a retaining groove 18. The ridge ll is adapted to earn over a ridge F9 on the lower part of the upper frame member 2! when the thumb piece 54 is shoved forward, and the spring is thus adapted to retain the safety slide and safety stirrup 59 in any one of two different positions, which may be marked safe or unsafe.

One of the most important features of the present invention consists in the connecting piece 69 comprising a member formed of the best tool 75; steel or tempered steel, having a substantially flat elongated body of sufficient width to pass between the legs 58 of stirrup 50.

The body 89 is best illustrated in Fig. 4, and it is provided with a slot 8! between two forwardly extending legs 82, 83 for receiving the bolt or pin 48. The pin 48 thus slidably supports the forward end of the connecting piece 60.

Leg 83 is provided with a laterally extending lug 84 extending into the range of movement of the right hand hammer l9, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 4. When the right hand hammer I9 is cocked, the connecting piece 60 is moved rearwardly by engagement of the hammer with the lug 84, thereby moving and maintaining the connecting piece 60 in the position of Fig. 2 until the right hand barrel has been discharged. Move- *ment of the hammer l9 forward by discharge of i the right hand barrel permits the piece 69 to move forward, since the hammer is moved out of the way of the lug 84, the purposes of which will be explained in greater detail hereinafter.

A spacer 85, which may consist of a fiber or metal washer on the bolt 48, is located between the connecting piece 69 and the safety slide 46 to further assist in holding the connecting piece 69 in proper position. The rear end of the connecting piece 69 is provided with a downwardly extending, enlargement 86, the bottom of which may be provided with a surface 81 adapted to slidably engage the frame or the trigger springs 14. At its rear end the enlargement 86 is provided with a slot 88, which is adapted to receive the T shaped end 89 of a leaf spring 90.

The leaf spring 90 is curved backward and upward into engagement with the rear frame piece 23, and it tends to urge the connecting piece 60 forward. The enlargement 8B is provided with a lower forwardly projecting lug 9! and an intermediate forwardly projecting lug 92 bordering a slot 93.

The lug 9| and the lug 92 are of the same width out to the end 94 and to the shoulder 95, that is, substantially the same width as the enlargement 89 and body 89.

Referring to Fig. 4, it will be observed that both the inwardly projecting lugs 65, 65A of the right hand sear 36 and the left hand sear 36A may be engaged in the slot 93 against lugs 9|, 92. When the connecting piece 69 is in such position that both the lugs 65, 65A are confined between lugs 9|, 92 in slot 93, then both the sears must move at the same time. The intermediate lug 92 is cut away at the shoulder 95 and provided with a forwardly extending portion 96, which is curved upward at 91 and also widened at 98. This forms a slot at the point 99 in front of the shoulder 95 where the forwardly extending lug 96 is adapted to actuate or engage the lug 65A on the left hand sear 36A, but a clearance is provided between the lug 65 on the right hand sear and the connecting piece 60 by means of the slot I09.

The connecting piece 60 is also provided with a slot llll formed between the main body 80 and the lug 92, this slot being adapted to receive the yoke 59 of the safety stirrup 50, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The connecting piece 60 is thus slidably mounted for forward and backward movement between the lugs 58 of the stirrup 50 and by means of its bifurcated end legs 82, 83 on the bolt 48.

The spring 99 may be made sufficiently light so that upon relatively quick movement of the gun the mass or inertia of the connecting piece 60 is adapted to move against the spring 99.

For example, when the gun moves backward on the recoil there would be no movement of the connecting piece 60 because its parts will be in engagement with the lugs 65, 65A on the sears. However, when the gun rebounds from the shoulder forward, after the recoil, any part of the mechanism of the gun which is mounted for free movement against a relatively light spring and has sufficient mass or inertia will tend to move backward. Thus on the rebound of the gun from the shoulder the connecting piece 69 is adapted to move backward against the spring 90.

The operation of the mechanism described is as follows: The gun may be cooked in the usual manner by breaking open the barrel of the gun and closing the barrel as previously described. Assuming the parts are in the position of Fig. 1, with both barrels discharged, the gun may be cooked, and the barrels filled with shells, after which the movement of the hammer l9, engaging the leg 41, would move the connecting piece 66 backward to the position of Fig. 2. The gun would then be/ih safe condition in case it were provided with a safety device of the type described, and the single trigger could not be pulled on account of the engagement of the end 1'2 of trigger lug H with the yoke 59 of the safety stirrup 59. The safety button 54 may then be moved forward by the thumb pivoting the stirrup 59 from the full line position of Fig. 2 to the dotted line position. This moves the yoke 59 out of the range of movement of the lug H on the trigger and permits the trigger to be moved upward.

In the embodiment illustrated, the yoke 59 of the safety stirrup 59 would then be in engagement with the upwardly turned end 9! of the connecting piece, still preventing the connecting piece from moving upward. This is important for the reason that the trigger 64 is adapted to actuate or trip the first or right hand sear 36 without using the connecting piece 60, and in order to provide a positive locking feature against the operation of the second sear at this time the safety stirrup 55 is adapted to engage the upwardly turned end 9'! of the connecting piece 69 and hold the connecting piece 69 in fixed position as regards vertical movement.

The lug 65A on the left hand sear, being disposed in the slot 93, and the surface 91 on the connecting piece 50 engaging the yoke 59, the

surface 91 provides a positive lock against the discharge of the second cylinder until the first barrel is discharged.

In some embodiments of the invention, however, the forwardly projecting part 91 of the connecting piece may be eliminated, as it is unnecessary to provide a positive lock to prevent the operation of the second sear at this time when the trigger is disconnected from the second sear.

The trigger flange 69 has its surface 66 engaging the sear lug 65 so that trigger 64 is adapted to push sear lug 55 upward, moving the end 35 of the sear downward to unlatch the trigger l9. However, the sear lug 65 is disposed forward of the slot 93 and forward of the shoulder 95, and when it moves upward it moves upward in the slot N19 or the cut-away portion of the forwardly projecting lug 96. At this time, therefore, the right hand sear is adapted to be tripped by the trigger without engaging the connecting piece.

Upon pulling of the trigger the first time, therefore, the right hand sear 36 is tripped and the right hand barrel discharged. The forward movement of the right hand hammer l9 moves the hammer out of the way of the laterally projecting lug on the connecting piece BI] and would permit the connecting piece 60 to move forward under the influence of spring 9|]. However, the inwardly projecting sear lug 65 is disposed in front of the shoulder 95 on connecting piece 60 while the trigger is being held, thereby preventing the connecting piece 60 from moving forward under the influence of its spring until the trigger is released. When the trigger is released, the connecting piece 60 moves forward, sliding upon stirrup legs 58 and on bolt 48 until both the sear lugs 65, 65A are embraced by slot 93.

Referring to Fig. 3, this view shows the mechanism after the first barrel has been discharged, but before the second barrel is discharged. At this time the forwardly projecting part 9'! is beyond the range of the safety yoke 59 because the connecting piece 60 has moved forward from the position of Fig. 2. When the trigger is pulled again, its surface 96 engages the right sear lug 65, moving the right sear in a clockwise direction again and, as both the sear lugs 65, 65A are disposed in the slot 93, the right sear lug engages the intermediate lug 92, tending to lift the connecting piece 60, which in turn tends to lift the.

left sear lug 55A.

It will be evident that the position of the connecting piece 60 is such that the walls of the slot 93 connect the two sear lugs 65, 65A together for movement in a vertical direction so that when the trigger moves up the right sear lug it also moves up the left sear lug. The left sear is thus also adapted to be tripped at this time-and the left barrel discharged by the same trigger.

One of the most important features of the present invention is the provision of means for preventing involuntary doubling or the discharge of the second barrel accidentally or against the will of the marksman. This action is best illustrated by Fig. 3 and is accomplished by means of the inertia movement of the connecting piece 60 backward when the other parts of the mechanism are in the position of Fig. 3. The full line position of Fig. 3 shows the parts in a position which they assume after the first barrel has been fired, but the second barrel has not been fired. The trigger has been released and the connecting piece 50 has moved forward.

When the first barrel is discharged the recoil causes the stock to move backward against the shoulder. This has no effect upon the floating connecting piece 60 because there are parts in positive engagement with forward surfaces on the connecting piece 59 preventing it from moving further forward at this time. After the recoil, however, the gun rebounds again from the shoulder and the trigger comes back against the finger of the shooter. This is one of the causes of involuntary doubling, the shooter not being aware that the movement of the gun and trigger is causing him to actually pull the trigger again and discharge the second barrel.

In the present embodiment, the connecting piece 60 is mounted for free sliding movement in a rearward direction from the position of Fig. 3, being engaged only by a relatively light spring 90. When the gun rebounds forward from the shoulder the mass or inertia of the connecting piece 60 tends to cause it to maintain a position of rest, and it therefore moves backward with respect to the rest of the gun mechanism against the spring 90 momentarily at the time when the involuntary pulling of the trigger would take place.

ground or against any fixed object.

The mass or inertia of the floating connecting piece 60 may be made any desired amount to accomplish this purpose. The floating connecting piece 60 thus takes the dotted line position of Fig. 3 during the rebound and involuntary pull of the trigger, moving to the position of Fig. 2 or Fig. 4 where both of the sear lugs 65, 65A are out of the slot 93. A pull on the trigger at this time would have no effect on the left sear because it is not connected to the right sear. Furthermore, the upwardly projecting surface 81 on the connecting piece lug 9B is in engagement with the yoke 59 of the safety stirrup 50, positively preventing the upward movement of the connecting piece 30. The left hand sear is thus momentarily disconnected from the trigger at the time of the rebound again from the shoulder by virtue of the inertia effect of the floating connecting piece 60. It is thus impossible to discharge the second barrel by involuntary pull of the trigger caused by forward movement of the gun, but it is still possible to discharge the second barrel intentionally. by a backward movement of the trigger while the gun is held still.

The same safety precaution exists when the stock of the gun is forcibly jarred against the As the gun comes to a stop the floating connecting piece 60 moves backward by virtue of its inertia, momentarily disconnecting the second sear from the trigger at that time. The safety stirrup also positively prevents the discharge of the second barrel through its engagement with connecting piece 60, preventing vertical movement of the connecting piece whenever the floating connecting piece is moved backward due to a jar or inertia effect.

The gun is preferably provided with a trigger guard I02 comprising a curved metal member having its end secured to the frame by screw bolts I03, 48. However, the gun may be provided with a trigger guard as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, or the trigger guard may be omitted, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.

Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, this is a modification in which the gun mechanism comprises an arrangement in which the firing pin itself is urged into engagement with the primer by a spring. The gun mechanism comprises the usual supporting framework and mechanism casing,indicated in its entirety by the numeral I04. The framework is provided with a supporting bracket I05 having bores for slidably supporting the firing pins I06.

Each firing pin is provided with a latching groove or hook I01, and the firing pins are pro vided with coil springs I08 which engage the bracket I05 and which engage the annular shoulder I09 on the firing pin to move the firing pin into engagement with the primer of the shell, whereby the parts I06 constitute, in effect, hammers as well as firing pins, as well recognized.

The connecting piece for causing the discharge of the second barrel by means of a single trigger for the mechanism of Figs. 5 and 6 is shown in Fig. '7, indicated in its entirety by the numeral IIO. In this embodiment the frame I04 is provided with an upwardly extending flange III for pivotally mounting the trigger I I2 by means of a pin I I3. The floating connecting piece III] may be provided with a pair of forwardly extending vertical flanges I I4, I I5 having a slot I I3 between them, and the slot is adapted to receive the bracket III and flange III of the trigger H2.

The bracket III and flange II'I thus guide the floating connecting piece III] at its forward end.

The connecting piece H0 in this embodiment is also provided with a laterally projecting lug II8 adapted to be engaged by the right hand firing pin I06, so that when the right hand firing pin is in cocked position its engagement with the lug I I8 moves the floating connecting piece I I0 backward. This prevents the connecting piece from providing a connection between the trigger and the left hand sear. The floating connecting piece is urged forward by a light spring I I8 which may be coiled about a screw bolt H9 and which has its end engaging in a groove in the laterally projecting lug II8 carried by the floating member H0.

The framework is provided with a pair of forwardly projecting flanges I 2|, each of which is adapted to pivotally support a sear I22 by means of the pin I23. Each sear is urged in a clockwise direction by a leaf spring I24 engaging the top of the sear, and having its rear end fixedly mounted in a slot I25 formed in the frame. Each sear is provided with a forwardly extending part I26 formed with a latching groove or shoulder I21 adapted to engage in the groove I01 of the corresponding firing pin. Each sear is also providedwith a downwardly extending lug I28 which is adapted to engage the curved edge I29 of the trigger flange III. In the new types of guns, this downwardly extending lug I28 might be omitted, provided some other arrangement is made to actuate the left hand sear by means of the connecting piece IIO. In the existing forms of guns the left hand trigger may be omitted. Each sear I22 is formed with an inwardly extending slot I30 at its rear edge. The floating connecting piece is slidably supported by a laterally projecting lug I20 which rests on the left hand sear.

The slots I30 in the sears are adapted to receive the laterally projecting lugs I3I, I 32 carried by the lower rear part of the connecting piece IIO. When the right hand barrel is cocked, as shown in Fig. 6, the connecting piece I I0 is pushed backward by the engagement of the firing pin I06 with the lug H8. The lugs I3I, I32 are then located backward out of the slots I30.

When the trigger I I2 is pulled, the surface I29 on trigger flange I I! engages lug I28 on the right hand sear I22, moving the sear counterclockwise and unlatching the firing pin I06 which snaps forward under the influence of the spring I08. When the right firing pin is cocked, both sears are then free from the connecting piece III], as the connecting piece is moved back to the position of Fig. 6 and does not connect the two sears together. As soon as the right hand barrel is discharged, the forward movement of the firing pin I06 permits the lug H8 and connecting piece I I0 to move forward, and lugs I3I, I32 of the connecting piece move into the slots I30 of the sears. When the trigger is again pulled, it lifts with it the connecting piece IIO by virtue of the engagement of slot I30 with lug I3I, and the lug I32 lifts the left hand scar and trips the left hand sear.

It will thus be observed that by leaving a part of the trigger in the mechanism the present device may be adapted to existing guns. The only addition to the gun mechanism comprises the floating connecting piece IIO, which is slidably mounted between the two sears for floating sliding movement.

In this embodiment as well, the connecting piece III) is adapted to move backward by virtue of its inertia when the gun rebounds forward after recoil. This tends to keep the trigger disconnected from the second sear until after this rebound has taken place, and prevents involuntary doubling.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, this is a modified form of mechanism. In this embodiment the gun mechanism includes a pair of sears I35, I36, which are pivotally supported, side by side, on the frame I3'I by the pin I38. The right hand sear also supports a pin I39 which pivotally supports the floating connecting piece I40. The floating connecting piece I40 has an angular groove I4I adapted to loosely engage a screw bolt I42 which is fixedly secured in the left hand sear I36. The floating connecting piece I40 has a laterally projecting lug I 43 which is engaged by the right hand firing pin I44, and the floating connecting piece I40 is urged forward by a relatively light coil spring I45 secured to the connecting piece I40 and to the frame or bracket I46. Spring I45 is so light that when the mechanism is jarred or moved forward quickly, the floating connecting piece I40 springs backward out of engagement with bolt I42. It is also moved out of engagement with bolt I42 when the firing pin I44 engages lug I43.

In Fig. 9 the sears and parts of the mechanism are purposely moved apart so as to disclose the connecting piece I40, but it will be understood that these sears are located side by side with the connecting piece between them, there being only sufiicient clearance between the connecting piece and the sears to permit the connecting piece I40 to move freely under the influence of spring I45.

The operation of this embodiment is as follows: Fig. 8 shows the parts with both barrels fired. When both barrels are cooked, the firing pin I44 is latched by the sear I35 and the connecting piece I4!) is moved backward from the position of Fig. 9. This moves the groove I4I out of engagement with screw bolt I42 while the right hand barrel is cooked.

When the trigger is pulled, the trigger flange I41 engages the lug I48 on the right hand sear, lifting the right hand sear I 35 and unlatching the right hand firing pin I44. Sear I35 lifts with it pin I39 and connecting piece I40, but, as the firing pin I44 holds lug I43 back, the shoulder I49 passes the bolt I42 freely without lifting the left hand sear.

It will be evident that a pull on the trigger can only discharge the right hand barrel when both barrels are cocked or when the right hand barrel is cocked. After the right hand barrel is fired, the floating connecting piece moves forward to the position of Fig. 9, and a pull on the trigger then lifts the left hand sear, and with it pin I39, connecting piece I 40, and left hand sear I36 to unlatch the left hand firing pin and fire the left barrel.

Should the gun be jarred forward after the firing of the first barrel, this would move the connecting piece I40 back and prevent it from actuating the second sear. It is impossible, therefore, to fire the second barrel with an involuntary pull such as that resulting from the forward movement of the gun on its rebound from the shoulder.

The present gun may also be provided with the safety device, as shown in Fig. 8, the operation of which will be apparent to anyone skilled in the art.

It will thus be observed that the present nonselective single trigger mechanism is equally adaptable to the various types of guns having only firing pins or the guns having firing pins and hammers. It may also be adapted to the existing types of gun mechanisms to make them single trigger guns, as well as new guns, and stock guns may be equipped with a single trigger mechanism at a very low cost, thus bringing them within the reach of a large number of users.

The present single trigger mechanism is adapted to prevent doubling, and accomplishes a higher degree of safety than has been accomplished by any of the devices of the prior art. There is absolutely no possibility of the wrong barrel being fired first, as the mechanism is positively adapted to prevent any connection between the trigger and the mechanism of the second barrel until the first barrel is fired. The operation of the floating connection piece between the scars of the two barrels also positively prevents firing of the barrel by involuntary pull of the trigger on the rebound of the gun from the shoulder, and doubling is practically impossible with mechanisms constructed according to the present invention.

While I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention, many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of all changes within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is:

1. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with a single trigger, of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means carried by the trigger in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger.

2. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with a single trigger, of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means carried by the trigger, immovable relative thereto and in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger.

3. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with the frame structure containing the firing mechanisms and a single trigger to operate the firing mechanisms of both barrels, of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means carried by the trigger in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger, said independent means engaging said frame structure for support, and being located at one side of the vertical plane of the hammer of said one scar and having a part projecting sidewise into the path of the hammer of said one sear for control by said hammer.

4. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with the frame structure containing the firing mechanism and a single trigger to operate the firing mechanisms of both barrels, of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means carried by the trigger in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger, said independent means engaging said frame structure for support, and being located between said sears and having a part projecting sidewise into the path of the hammer of said one sear for control by said hammer.

5. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with a single trigger to operate the firing mechanismsof both barrels; of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means including an upwardly extending flange carried by the trigger in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and for operating the other sear also, and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger, said independent means including a relatively thin vertically extending portion located substantially at one side of said upwardly extending trigger flange to effect said communication and another portion extending into the path of the hammer of said one sear.

6. In a double-barrelled firearm, the combination with a single trigger to operate the firing mechanisms of both barrels, of a separate firing mechanism for each barrel including a hammer and a cooperating sear, means carried by the trigger in constant operative relation to one sear for the operation thereof and independent means controlled in its operation by the hammer of said one sear for forming communication between the sear of the other firing mechanism and the sear operating means carried by the trigger, said independent means including a member mounted on a substantially horizontal axis for engagement with and to be swung by the hammer of said one sear.

HARRY W. HESTER. 

